Randolph-Macon’s Alpha Lambda Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), a national leadership honor society, recognized superior scholarship, leadership, and exemplary character at its annual Leadership Awards ceremony Monday.

Ren Hinchey ’25 and EJ Jones ’25 were each honored with the Janet Harvey Trivette ’78 & W. Proctor Harvey, Jr. Endowed Student Award. The award was established in 2007 to honor alumna Janet Harvey Trivette ’78 and her brother W. Proctor Harvey, Jr. and celebrate their distinctive characteristics of compassion, generosity of spirit, and leadership.

Hinchey, a political science major, has been involved with numerous student groups during his time at Randolph-Macon, most notably the Common Activities Board (CAB), an organization that provides a wide range of programs to enrich the social and educational experience of RMC students. Hinchey has been involved with CAB all four years of his college career, rising to the role of Executive Director as a senior. He is also a member of the Student Government Association, serves as a Resident Assistant, performs in the LUXE Show Choir, and is a Leadership Fellow.

“The thread that runs through all of his involvements is his strength of character,” said Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Grant Azdell. “His compassion is evident in his dedication to engagement and mentorship. Whether through volunteer efforts, student organization involvement, or simply being a dependable and empathetic friend, he has consistently shown a sincere commitment to helping others.”

Jones, also a political science major, is the President of the Student Government Association. As student body president, Jones played a critical role both on the Presidential Search Committee and in introducing Dr. Michael Hill to the RMC community. Elsewhere on campus, she is a member of the Delta Zeta sorority and the President for Order of Omega. In addition to a significant number of community service hours, Jones spent the 2024 J-Term interning with the law firm Harvey and Driggs.

Azdell quoted her nominator in presenting the award, saying “she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to improving the student experience. She has worked tirelessly to amplify student voices, foster collaboration between campus organizations, and implement initiatives that enhance student life. Her ability to lead with integrity, diplomacy, and inclusivity has made a lasting impact.”

Xander Birchfield ’25 received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award and Seli Kartey ’25 received the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award in recognition of spiritual qualities applied to daily living. The awards are supported by the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation and honor the lives of the foundation founder and his wife. Recipients receive a bronze medallion.

Birchfield is an engineering major with a commitment to making music accessible. He is a piano instructor himself and created an online business platform to make lessons more affordable. He also completed faculty-guided research into 3D-printed musical instruments, successfully constructing a 3D-printed ukulele. In his remarks, RMC President Robert R. Lindgren noted that “his commitment to mentorship and artistic expression is a testament to his generosity and passion for uplifting others. His well-rounded involvement speaks to his intellectual curiosity, his drive for excellence, and his unwavering dedication to making a difference in his community.”

Kartey is a sociology and anthropology and Black studies double-major with a minor in communication studies. She holds a number of leadership positions on campus, including President of the Black Cultural Society, President of For Women, Vice President of the RMC Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, and Campus Outreach Chair for the SERVE Committee. She is also active in the Pre-Law Society and the Multicultural Programming Board. Additionally, she had a Projects for Peace grant proposal approved to renovate a pediatric oncology daycare in a hospital in Ghana. “Her compassion is evident in the way she approaches leadership—not as a position of authority, but as a means to uplift others.”

The Outstanding Organizational Advisor Award was given to Executive Director of Advancement Services Ellen Stack, who advises the campus Habitat for Humanity.

“Her job description does not indicate that she has to advise a student group or club, but she has chosen to do so,” said Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Associate Dean of Students. “As the longtime advisor for Habitat for Humanity, she has mentored hundreds of students and fully embraced the SERVE philosophy—educating students about the root causes of housing insecurity while inspiring them to take meaningful action. Her guidance has not only shaped student leaders but also helped provide affordable housing for countless community members.”

The RMC charter of ODK was founded in 1933. Membership is awarded to elected undergraduate juniors and seniors whose cumulative grade point average places them in the top 35% of the RMC student population. Candidates must also demonstrate leadership in at least one of the five phases of campus life to be selected: scholarship; athletics; campus community service, social and religious activities, and campus government; journalism, speech, and the mass media; and creative and performing arts.

The following awards were also given during the ceremony:

Students of Excellence: Alessia Ingargiola ’25 and Seli Kartey ‘25

Outstanding Service to the SGA Award: Claudia Flores ‘28

RMC Leadership (group): Esports

Rodney Bardwell Service Award: RMC Drumline

Outstanding Student Event: Soul Food and Family Feud

Freshman Leadership: Ifeoma Edozie ‘28

Sophomore Leadership: Rock Schraa ‘27

Junior Leadership: Gaines Ballard ‘26

Outstanding Seniors: Peyton Cooper ’25, Anna O’Sullivan ’25, William Ryder ’25, Sam Slevin ’25, Trace Taylor ’25, Ashlyn White ’25

RMC Leadership (individual): Ella Swager ‘26

Darrell Headrick Service Award: Emily Carter ‘26